Volleyball Officiating:

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Volleyball Officiating

• The 3 Cs
• Clinician Jim Beyer
• Middle Tennessee
• Volleyball Officials Association
• August 14, 2008

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INTRODUCTION

• Who am I?
  
  
• Why am I here?
• Who are you?
  
  
• Why are you here?

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Make the Commitment to Become the Best Volleyball
Official You Can Be

• Obtaining a license to officiate and renewing it
  each year is not enough. Coaches and players are
  entitled to quality officiating which comes, in
  part, from
• studying the rules and applying them properly
• learning new techniques
• mastering points of emphasis
• receiving feedback
• setting goals
• engaging in a self-critique process to turn
  weaknesses into strengths
• establishing a mentor-mentee relationship.

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QUESTIONS? www.vbofficiating.com
Lets Begin
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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball

• 1. COMMUNICATION
• 2. CONSISTENCY
• 3. CONTROL

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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball COMMUNICATION

• Approach
• Success of any relationship depends upon
  effective communication.
• It is usually better to be proactive rather than
  reactive.
• Create a professional climate through
• Awareness of self. How am I doing? How am I
  being received and perceived?
• Respect for self and others.
• Being a good listener open to give-and-take
  exchanges.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball With whom do
you communicate?

• Your Partner
• Assistant Officials/Support Staff
• Players
• Coaches
• Host Management
• Fans
• Assigner
• Self

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Your Partner

• Your Partner is Your Fellow Official
• You are match facilitators
• Officials are judged in terms of how well they
  did as a team.
• Begin with a pre-match contact.
• Enter the venue together. Enter the court
  together.
• Meet the coaches together.
• Leave the court and venue together.
• If at all possible have a post-match conference.
• Support your partner throughout the match.
• A thumbs up or hand clap after a long rally or
  good call is important (good job during
  time-out or between games).

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Your Partner

• For effective teamwork, you can
• Share the workload (net check, area inspection,
  ball pressure check, and instruction of assistant
  officials/support staff).
• Conduct a pre-match discussion lead by the First
  Referee during which
• Second Referee gets an answer to what do you
  expect of me?
• Informal signals, given discreetly, are
  thoroughly covered.
• Emphasize eye contact CENTERING (before, during
  and after each play).
• Agree upon an exit plan to toot and scoot after
  match (sign the score sheet?).
• Meet for a post-match discussion with a candid
  assessment of how you worked as a team, what
  worked well, what could have been better?

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Assistant Officials/Support
Staff

• Creating a rapport is essential! Volleyball
  is unique, in that, we may have unpaid,
  uncertified, unimpartial volunteers making
  critical decisions.
• Assistant Officials (new for 2008)
• Line Judges
• Scorer
• Libero Tracker
• Timer/Scoreboard Operator
• Support Staff
• Announcer
• Ball Shaggers (when you have them!)

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Assistant Officials

• Line Judges
• The First Referee typically instructs the line
  judges, evaluates ability/experience, places them
  in their respective positions (less experienced
  to the right of First Referee), and evaluates
  their performance. Use the acronym SALT
  (Service, Antenna, Line, Touch) to teach/review
  signals (with or without flags).
• Accepting Line Judge calls validates the Line
  Judges and benefits the match. Ask for constant
  eye contact with the First Referee.
• Address overruling and not able to call as
  possibilities.
• Use time-outs for further instruction or
  reminders.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Assistant Officials

• Scorer/Scorekeeper
• Second Referee typically works with the official
  scorer, evaluates experience, checks line-up
  entry, checks the score sheet during time-outs
  and prepares the scorer to be ready to provide
  information before, during or after the play,
  such as the numbers of the next 3 servers (front
  row).
• Second Referee reminds the scorer to identify a
  wrong server prior to the serve but report it to
  Second Referee after service contact.
• Ensuring the proper score is kept means the
  Second Referee gives the scorer enough time to
  record substitutions, including time to verify
  that the scoreboard matches the score sheet.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Assistant Officials

• Libero Tracker
• The Second Referee works with the Libero Tracker
  and ensures the Libero Tracker is partnering with
  the scorer.
• The Libero Tracker is instructed to ensure proper
  libero replacements occur, that the same 2
  numbers are on either side of the L, that all
  substitutions are recorded as well as libero
  replacements, that libero exchange rules are
  followed and that libero serving is properly
  recorded.
• Illegal libero replacements should be reported
  immediately when identified by the libero
  tracker.
• If working with a novice scorer or libero
  tracker, use the rules book for a guide.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Assistant Officials

• Timer/Scoreboard Operator
• The Second Referee works with the timer to ensure
  the horn or buzzer sounds under certain
  circumstances and that the score is posted
  accurately. This occurs in concert with the
  scorer (scorer sits between the timer and libero
  tracker).
• The Second Referee and First Referee observes and
  backs up the timing of match segments throughout
  the match and addresses any problems.
• The Second Referee communicates expectations for
  warm-ups, time-outs and between-game intervals.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Support Staff

• Announcer
• The First Referee works with the announcer to
  ensure a common understanding of
• How player introductions and the National Anthem
  will occur (timing and duration).
• Any special events such as seniors, parents
  nights.
• Whether the announcer will indicate who is
  serving and make a neutral commentary, if any
  commentary is made at all.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Support Staff

• Ball Shaggers
• The Second Referee typically instructs the ball
  shaggers regarding
• Wiping the ball to keep it dry.
• When the ball goes to the server and where the
  extra balls should go (3-ball rotation).
• Properly rolling the ball.
• Avoiding interfering with play and safety issues.
• Encourage the use of ball shaggers, if properly
  educated they can enhance the flow and tempo of
  the match.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Players

• Perception is reality. Dont call players by
  their names which conveys favoritism. To talk
  with the captain, say captain. Theyre really
  the only players to address officials.
• If you do need to talk directly with a player,
  use the players number (5,) or go through the
  captain or coach.
• Treat players with respect and dignity.
• Post match, limit any commentary to nice match.
  Never touch a player or coach other than via a
  handshake and only if the handshake is initiated
  by the player or coach.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Coaches

• Perception is reality. Approach with your
  partner for introductions (when both coaches are
  courtside, home coach first), trying to spend
  equal time with each, be cordial but brief,
  address new rules or rule questions. Never ever
  comment on the performance of an individual or
  team.
• Address the coach by saying coach and not by
  using the coachs name.
• Go through the coach to address a problem with a
  player on the court or bench personnel.
• Dont initiate a post-match hand shake.
• Dont linger after match to make yourself
  accessible.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Coaches/Captains

• Pre-Timed Warm-up Meeting with Head Coaches and
  Captains
• The First Referee introduces him/herself and
  partner, and asks captains and coaches to
  introduce themselves.
• The First Referee goes over the court and playing
  area, legal equipment and uniforms, match and
  warm-up format and Second Referee adds
  information including waiting for authorization
  for subs to enter. The First Referee then asks
  if there are any questions.
• Conclude with the calling of the coin toss by the
  visiting team captain, ask the home team captain
  to repeat the call and both teams are shown the
  result of toss. Wish good luck, then identify
  immediately (coin in pocket) which team has the
  serve to the scorer.
• The First Referee instructs the Timer to begin
  the Timed Warm-up. Both Referees keep time on
  their watches to provide a back-up.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Coaches

• Responding to Coach During Match
• The Second Referees role is to serve and protect
  the First Referee. When a coach has a problem or
  question, the Second Referee positions
  herself/himself to prevent the coach yelling
  across court at the First Referee.
• The Second Referee is proactive in anticipating
  if a coach will have a concern about a close call
  or non-call.
• The Second Referee may go to the coach to diffuse
  an outburst. Be a good listener. Succinctly
  respond and end with lets play, and give the
  court back to the First Referee.
• After lets play the coach risks a card with
  further interruptions.
• Judgment calls are not to be questioned.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Host Management

• (usually the Athletic Director)
• Affirm details and that you will be officiating
  at least 7 days prior to the match with a phone
  call or email to the Athletic Department.
• Greet the Athletic Director identify room to
  change clothes and store officiating gear.
• If refreshments are provided be sure to express
  your appreciation. Do not push for receiving
  refreshments.
• Identify where host management will be located,
  if needed, before, during and after the match.
  Where will you be?
• Involve host management when there are facility
  problems, safety concerns, unruly fans, or other
  such issues.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Fans

• Generally, do not respond to fans during a match
  (perception that the official has rabbit ears).
• If there is an unruly fan(s), suspend play until
  host management intervenes and either removes the
  fan(s) or ensures there will be no further
  problems.
• If the opportunity presents itself, you might
  seek to explain a rule to a fan. But, avoid
  confrontation at all cost, since this is a no-win
  situation.
• Monitor flash photography during play
  (distraction or safety issue?).
• Avoid using a public restroom, going to the
  concession stand and crowds.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Your Assigner

• Work with your assigner through prompt acceptance
  or rejection of assignments. Never push or
  politic for particular matches, but make your
  availability known.
• Honor your commitments, and fulfill your
  contractual obligations. Never seek a casual
  release from a contract. Dont intentionally
  double book.
• If expected to, obtain an acceptable replacement
  when you have to turn back an assignment for a
  valid reason.
• If there were any problems at a match, notify
  your assigner immediately.
• Dont forget to say, thanks.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
with Yourself

• Use self encouragement through positive
  thoughts. If youre thinking about the call that
  you might have missed, youre probably going to
  miss the next one.
• Not What If? But What Now?
• Dont dwell on your mistakes learn from them.
• Try to create a comfort level, relax and relieve
  stress through such techniques as deep breathing
  and imaging.
• Evaluate yourself fairly.
• Be aware of how you relate to others and how you
  are received and perceived.
• Try to maintain a constant wide to narrow focus
  while youre on the stand as First Referee or
  working on the floor as Second Referee.
• Talk to yourself. Before Beckon, Where are my
  setters?

Consistency
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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Ball handling
• Rules
• Observations
• Warnings
• Sanctions

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Ball Handling
• Establish a comfort zone.
• Know what is acceptable to allow, and let play
  continue. The first few calls set the tone for
  the match.
• Know what not to call, and dont call it! Decide
  if the player is playing the ball or if the ball
  is playing the player.
• One philosophy is dont call it unless its
  gross which is clearly a matter of judgment.
  Dont go by looks, sound, spin or body position,
  only the contact with the ball that you see.
• Dont look ahead of the play. The eyes of the
  First Referee must be focused on the part of the
  body making contact with the ball.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Ball Handling
• Ugly is not necessarily a violation.
• Judge the duration and the direction.
• Too much control is going to be an illegal hit
  for prolonged contact (called any time).
• Lack of control likely is going to be a double
  hit or multiple contacts. First team contact is
  never a double hit (multiple contacts) when
  only one effort is being made.
• The second contact likely will be a double hit,
  if theres a fault, and the third hit will likely
  be prolonged contact.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Ball Handling
• Expect to hear such things as, They didnt call
  it that way last night, Call it both ways and
  Be consistent.
• The only thing that is going to be consistent
  about us as individual officials is that were
  different. Nevertheless, players, coaches and
  fans are entitled to having us be consistent
  during the match.
• If you make a call in the first game, you better
  be prepared to make that same call in a deciding
  game.
• If you called it early in the match, you have to
  call it late. Thats the type of consistency we
  should be striving for.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Ball Handling
• Always remember the importance of the first few
  handles since your calls and non-calls will set
  what the players and coaches expect for the
  match.
• Call only the faults you actually see, and do not
  call a fault in response to coach, player, fan
  judgment.
• Let the players decide the match, but dont
  ignore ball-handling errors on game or match
  point.
• If its an error call it if it is not, Play On.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Rules
• There are different levels of volleyball with
  differences in the rules.
• However, if you know one set of rules it will
  help to compare if you officiate under multiple
  rule sets.
• PAVO (www.pavo.org) and USA Volleyball
  (www.usavolleyball.org) have rule comparison
  sheets on their websites that include NFHS rules.
• Always have your rules book courtside.
• Coaches should be accountable Protest
• Study the rules throughout the season and discuss
  rule situations that arise with your Rules
  Interpreter.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Observations
• Observe higher-level matches. To understand
  todays game of volleyball, you have to be a
  student of the game.
• Observe the play, serving patterns, receiving
  formations, whether you can see screening, where
  the setters are coming from and their opposites,
  offensive strategies, and during-the-match moves
  that address game flow and adjustments, etc.
• Observe your fellow officials, but without
  commenting unless solicited. Are their signals
  clear to everyone and how well they seem to work
  with their partner. Watch informal signals, also
  called discreet signals because that is how they
  are to be given.
• Observe how the officials interact with the
  coaches and the idiosyncrasies of the coaches.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Warnings
• The gray area vs. hard line, by-the-book
  approach. Will a warning affect the outcome of
  the match?
• Treat both teams the same.
• Example 1 Screening is very rarely called but
  happens more frequently than many think.
• If you think theres a potential for a screen,
  you can warn the players involved, but should
  penalize if a screen is actually committed.
• Example 2 A slight overlap or illegal alignment
  can be warned by determining, What advantage is
  gained? This is supported if youre counting
  boards. There is a philosophy to call major
  overlaps and ignore the rest.
• Give numbers of players 5 and 6, theres a
  potential overlap, coach. Or, Coach, potential
  overlap, 5 and 6, RF/RB.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Sanctions
• Key to issuing cards is first to determine
  whether there is an initial emotional response to
  a situation or a conscious reaction.
• If a players or coachs first reaction is
  sufficiently minor to be penalized with a formal
  warning/yellow card, try to choose this route
  rather than issuing a penalty/red card.
• Be aware of the coaching strategy used by some to
  try to get a card to motivate their team or even
  to try to get an advantage and influence match
  officials.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Sanctions
• Regardless, unsporting acts have to be addressed.
  If you have said, I should have givena card
  youre probably correct. Not issuing warranted
  cards creates an unfair disadvantage to the other
  team.
• Gestures as well as words can merit a sanction.
• Issuance of cards is a judgment call, not subject
  to review.
• Issuance of cards must be progressive, ie. once
  a yellow card has been issued to a person, no
  more yellow cards can be issued to that same
  person.
• Cards carry through the remainder of the match.
• UROA is the acronym to remember.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Sanctions
• Unsporting conduct is a warning (yellow card).
• Rude conduct that goes beyond unsporting and or
  is repeated unsporting conduct by the same person
  is a penalty (red card).
• Offensive conduct or repeated rude conduct on the
  part of the same person would be subject to
  disqualification (red and yellow cards, held
  apart in separate hands).
• Aggressive conduct can be an immediate forfeit by
  the offending team . An incident report is
  required.
• A Disqualified player must leave the playing area
  if adult supervision is available. A disqualified
  Coach must leave the building. Disqualified
  personnel are still subject to sanction which
  must result in forfeit.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONSISTENCY

• Sanctions
• Ask yourself Is my decision-making affected? If
  so, a sanction must be issued to the team member
  causing this to occur.
• Sanction dispassionately, just as with any other
  decision that is being made.
• Keep your cool. Dont show anger. Remain as
  detached as you can.
• Approach each match with an un-bias.

Control
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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Equipment
• Appearance
• Preparation
• Confidence
• Delays

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Equipment
• A pre-match inspection is a must!
• Measure the net. Requires accurate net chain.
  Measure and verify marking at correct height
  based on level youre working. Dont assume your
  net chain is marked at the correct settings.
• Check the net tension by throwing a ball into the
  net from 6. The ball should rebound 2-3 back
  into court.
• Dont try to fix a net on your own. Get help from
  host management or the coach.
• Line up the antennas on opposite sides of net,
  defining the outside of the sidelines using the
  net chain as a plumb bob/line.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Equipment
• Check for any exposed metal along the bottom or
  top of net, including antennas.
• Check pressure in all balls (4.3-4.6 lbs.) that
  will be used for the match. Dont just feel for
  correct pressure without also measuring using an
  accurate ball pressure gauge (compare to someone
  elses gauge).
• Distinguish game balls from other balls to avoid
  getting them mixed up with non-game balls.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Equipment
• Make sure the standards and First Referee stand
  are padded. Padding is not an option. Cant play
  the match without this.
• Make sure all court lines are down and at correct
  distances. Blue/white painters tape is good to
  fix a line.
• Check to ensure the First Referee stand is
  properly secured and at the right height for the
  official.
• Score table set far enough back and chairs back.
  Keep things out of the substitution zone between
  benches and score table. Remove unsafe objects
  from in front of bench and warm-up area.
• SAFETY IS PARAMOUNT

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Appearance
• Body language says a lot along with the
  officials facial expressions. Must give
  perception of laid back but not uninterested.
• Good posture on the stand and on the floor is
  very important. Dont be too casual. Dont ever
  lean on the post, scorers table or stand.
• Hands on the hips can look a bit confrontational.
  Arms folded across chest can look condesending.
  Dont be too rigid. Look and feel relaxed.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Appearance
• Be careful and be aware of how you conduct
  yourself with the people around you. Be friendly
  but do not attempt to be everybodys friend.
• Grooming is important. Not only neat appearance
  but pressed shirts and pants, shoes in good
  condition and polished. Shorts may look too
  casual. Shirt tucked in.
• Look physically fit and up to the task of
  officiating.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Appearance
• Wear the correct uniform!
• And make sure your clothes fit!
• White shirt should be white.
• Bring an extra shirt and pants in case of an
  accident.
• Extra belt, extra pair of socks (perhaps for
  partner!).
• Have shoe polish, Fabreze and stain stick with
  you.
• Avoid drawing attention to yourself.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Preparation
• Know the rules.
• Be up on the current techniques and trends.
• Observe matches.
• Discuss situations with each other, brainstorm.
• Ask questions.
• Take notes and journal.
• Make the uncomfortable, comfortable by
  confronting your weaknesses and learning from
  your mistakes.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Preparation
• Anticipate situations through visualization,
  realization regarding which rules apply and how
  to apply them appropriately.
• Realize things seem to happen on a regular basis.
• Always remain positive.
• Exude confidence, but not cockiness because you
  realize the match isnt about you. Its about the
  players and teams.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Confidence
• Shown through the use of signals
• Clear and distinct (practice in front of a
  mirror).
• Marked by signal separation.
• Set the tempo.
• Unrushed to avoid creating confusion (what was
  the call?),
• Dont get sloppy and use the CORRECT signals.
  eg. Touch vs. Out

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Confidence
• Shown through use of your whistle Discriminating
  and distinct whistles include, but are not
  limited to
• Beckon for serve.
• Whistle to end a rally.
• Whistle for a substitution.
• Whistle for a time-out.
• Whistle to call attention to a potential safety
  hazard.
• Whistle to hold up play.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Confidence
• Create a climate of calmness.
• Make sure court is a safe place, ready for play.
• Follow correct procedures for substitutions/time-o
  uts.
• Maintain proper court coverage.
• First Referee follows ball.
• Second Referee Transitions to the Blockers side,
  monitoring player movement.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Delays
• Always err on the side of safety when dealing
  with a request to have the ball wiped, the floor
  toweled, time for a player to tie a shoelace, a
  contact issue, a player injury (30 seconds to
  evaluate), even at a time when a coach doesnt
  have a time-out left or the other team is on a
  run or its the end of a close game.
• Second Referee inspects/checks/verifies these
  situations to avoid continuing gamesmanship.
  Would you expect the need for a floor wipe in
  November?
• Intentional delays must be sanctioned. Hey, wait
  a minute is a delaying tactic.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCONTROL

• Delays
• Defuse and defend is part of the Second
  Referees role to serve and protect the First
  Referee. Listen carefully to a coachs question.
• Give a short concise answer but dont quote the
  rule to the coach. Rather, interpret the
  practical application of the rule and end with
  lets play, coach and then turn the match back
  to the First Referee to facilitate game flow.
• The Second Referee should not permit judgment
  calls to be continually challenged without
  warning and finally asking for a card.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballCommunication
Revisited

• Responsibility
• The First Referee is responsible to take in all
  pertinent, available information before making a
  final decision.
• Overall, the First Referee and Second Referee are
  in a constant scan mode, looking for potential
  safety issues, coach requests, bench activity,
  partner and line judges in position, need for
  additional time on the part of the score table,
  etc.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals
• These signals follow the pre-match agreements on
  what the Second Referee will signal the First
  Referee
• Show only play-ending information such as 4-hits
  (touch by the block on third hit that goes into
  the tape, dont show a touch signal), 2-hits,
  illegal hit, below the waist contact, illegal
  attack, illegal back-row block, over-the-net
  contact, ball touched out, possible illegal
  alignment on the serving team, possible
  screening.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, 4-hits
• If the Second Referee believes
• a ball has already been contacted three times and
  the next contact will result in the fourth hit,
  show four fingers in the chest area using the
  hand to the side of the team that would be
  committing the fault upon next contact.
• a third hit has been touched by the block and
  stays on the side of the attacking team, no hand
  signal will be made to show touch but a head nod
  can affirm I saw a touch, play on.

54
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, 2-hits illegal hit below the
  waist contact
• If the Second Referee believes
• there is a double hit or multiple contacts
  outside the view of the First Referee OR if, from
  the Second Referees angle, there is a double hit
  on a ball the First Referee has called
  previously, the Second Referee will show the
  2-hit signal in the chest area.
• there is an illegal hit or below the waist
  contact outside the view of the First Referee,
  the Second Referee will show the illegal hit
  signal in the chest area using the hand on the
  side of the team that committed the fault.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, illegal back row block
• If the Second Referee believes
• there is a back-row blocker near the net,
  reaching higher than the net and contacting the
  ball or a back-row player participating in a
  completed collective block, the Second Referee
  should step out and show the illegal block signal
  in the chest area. The Second Referee should
  whistle the fault if the First Referee does not
  see the signal and misses the back-row block.

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The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, illegal back row attack
• If the Second Referee believes
• a back-row player with last contact in the attack
  zone has contacted a ball near the top of the
  net, the Second Referee should step out and show
  the possibility of an illegal back-row attack in
  the chest area on the side of the attacking team.
  
• If the ball clearly is above net height and the
  ball then crossed the net or is legally contacted
  by the opponent, the Second Referee may show a
  strong attack signal and should whistle the fault
  if the First Referee doesnt see the signal and
  just misses it.

57
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, over the net
• If the Second Referee believes
• a player reaches over the net and contacts the
  ball which has not been attacked while the ball
  is totally on the opponents side of the net, the
  Second Referee should step out and show the
  over-the-net signal in the chest area.
• This includes an attack on the other side of the
  net, a block contact which takes a play away from
  the opponents on a ball that was not going over
  the net and/or is not an attack. However, any
  ball that has already been contacted three times
  may be blocked on the opponents side.

58
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, ball down
• If the Second Referee believes
• a ball is down/in, step out to signal the First
  Referee to assist with making the call. If the
  First Referee waves off the Second Referee
  (indicating the First Referee saw the ball up,)
  the Second Referee should pull the call back and
  play continues.
• However, if the First Referee fails to see the
  call despite the step out and sell job, the
  Second Referee being 105 certain that the ball
  touched the court, should whistle the fault.

59
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, illegal alignment,
• screening
• If the Second Referee believes
• there is a possible illegal alignment on the
  serving team show the illegal alignment signal in
  the chest area to alert the First Referee.
• there is a possible screen especially if the
  receiving team is struggling to see the serve,
  show the screen signal in the chest area to alert
  the First Referee

60
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, game point
• After confirming the serving team has game point,
  the Second Referee will show this with an index
  finger on the shoulder of the team that has game
  point. So should the scorer. The First Referee
  will acknowledge the signal with a nod, but will
  not signal back in return.
• The informal signal of game point is repeated
  only as necessary and not while the other team is
  continuing to serve and the receiving team has
  repeated game points. However, if the score
  becomes tied, game point will be shown each time
  either team has a game point through the end of
  the game.

61
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, legal back row play
• When a team has a legal back-row attack because a
  back-row player left the floor from behind the
  attack line the Referees may show an informal
  signal of legal back-row attack off to the side
  on the side of the court where the play occurred
  (safe signal). This may help the First Referee
  if the First Referees view was screened.
• When a back-row player plays a ball over when the
  ball was not entirely above the height of the
  net, use a patting down signal.

62
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, safe, patting down
  signal
• The back-row safe signal should be used
  sparingly only when the players take off was
  close to the attack line or the patting down
  signal when the ball was near the top of the net.
  
• The safe signal may also be used to show the
  libero was making a finger-tip setting action
  from outside the attack zone or the patting down
  signal when the next contact off the libero set
  from the attack zone was on a ball that was not
  totally above the height of the net.

63
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Informal Signals, time-outs taken,
  substitutions taken
• Number of time-outs taken by each team is shown
  by the Second Referee at the beginning of the
  time-out and at the end of the time-out. The
  scorer typically confirms number of time-outs
  used by each team to the Second Referee and
  signals the number to the First Referee during
  the time-out, then both Second Referee and scorer
  show this at the end of the time-out. The Second
  Referee informs the two coaches as well.
• As a courtesy inform the coach of 9th-12th
  substitutions. Right hand five, Right fist
  ten.

64
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Leading the First Referee
• There are times where an informal signal by the
  Second Referee will not be sufficient. Part of
  effective partnering is recognizing when your
  partner needs help and leading the call. A
  bang-bang play at the net, ball played tight to
  the net, attack-block-antenna and who the fault
  was on, etc. can all necessitate the Second
  Referee leading the First Referee.
• Recognizing that deer-in-the-headlights look
  and need for help can be a partnership-defining
  moment!

65
The 3 Cs of Officiating Volleyball Communication
Revisited

• Get the call right
• There are times when the Second Referee needs to
  come across the court after a play for a private
  discussion with the First Referee regarding
  something that simply cant be signaled.
  Typically, the partners pre-arrange that when the
  Second Referee moves to the court standing on the
  sideline, the First Referee should call the
  Second Referee across the court.
• The above scenario is to be used only for matters
  that merit special concern.

66
The 3 Cs of Officiating VolleyballFinal Thoughts

• Officials dont make bad calls but, from time to
  time, make incorrect ones. The goal is not to
  make a lot of them.
• We should strive to call the perfect match.
• If you are comfortable where you are, thats
  where you will stay.
• Have joy in the journey!
• Bonus Segment

67
TRICKS OF THE TRADE CHECKING LINEUPS

• R2 CHECKS THE LINEUP OF THE RECEIVING TEAM
  FIRST, START WITH BACK ROW, ALLOW LIBERO
  REPLACEMENT (IF THERE IS ONE), MOVE TO FRONT ROW,
  GIVE CAPTAINS TO R1, REPEAT FOR SERVING TEAM.

68
TRICKS OF THE TRADE COMMUNICATE A DELAY IN SERVE

• R1 AFTER YOUR SCAN AND BEFORE YOUR BECKON FOR
  SERVE CENTER WITH THE R2.
• IF R2 HAS BACK TURNED, R1 HOLDS THE SERVER WITH
  THE NEAR HAND UP AND POINTS TO THE R2 WITH THE
  OTHER HAND.

69
TRICKS OF THE TRADE WHO WAS IN THE NET?

• R2 (OR R1) CALLS A NET, WHILE CERTAIN OF THE
  CALL, IS UNCERTAIN WHO IT WAS EXACTLY.
• IF ONE OF THE POTENTIAL OFFENDERS LOOKS AT YOU,
  IT IS PROBABLY NOT THAT PLAYER WHO WAS IN THE
  NET.
• IF STILL UNCERTAIN, GIVE THE S OF THE POTENTIAL
  OFFENDERS WITH AN HONEST REPLY COACH, IT WAS
  EITHER 2 OR 13.

70
TRICKS OF THE TRADE BLAME THE ASSIGNER

• A REPLY TO A JUDGMENT QUESTION, EG. IF THE BALL
  IS SPINNING, ISNT THAT A DOUBLE HIT?
• JIM BEYER HAS ENCOURAGED US NOT TO CALL A DOUBLE
  HIT JUST BECAUSE THE BALL IS SPINNING.
• OR ON A QUICK BALL OVER
• IF THE BALL PLAYS THE PLAYER, JIM BEYER SAID IT
  IS LIKELY NOT AN ILLEGAL HIT.

71
TRICKS OF THE TRADE SUB DOES WAIT FOR
AUTHORIZATION TO ENTER

• THE FIRST TIME A SUB ENTERS WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION
  FROM THE R2, BRING THE SUB BACK AND THEN ALLOW
  THE SUB WITH NO PENALTY.
• ANY FURTHER TEAM OCCURRANCES FROM THE SAME SUB OR
  A DIFFERENT SUB WOULD RESULT IN AN UNNECESSARY
  DELAY AND DENY THE SUB.
• WHEN THE SUB ENTERS THE ZONE, HESITATE TO BLOW
  THE WHISTLE. THIS SHOULD PREVENT THE SUB FROM
  ENTERING WITHOUT AUTHORIZATION.

72
TRICKS OF THE TRADE RECOGNIZE DELAY TACTICS

• COACHES WILL TRY TO BREAK THE MOMENTUM OF THE
  OTHER TEAM THROUGH LEGAL AND QUESTIONABLE MEANS.
• ANTICIPATE WHEN REQUESTS WILL BE MADE.
• KNOW THE OF TIMEOUTS AND SUBS TAKEN.
• A REQUEST FOR A LINEUP CHECK CAN BE SIMPLIFIED BY
  ESTABLISHING WITH THE SCORER, WHO IS THE NEXT
  SERVER?

73
TRICKS OF THE TRADE ???
If you have any send them to www.vbofficiating.co
m and well share them with others.
74
This Powerpoint follows the DVD
Volleyball Officiating The Things They Didnt
Tell You!
75
Thanks for the privilege to be with you tonight.
I hope you all have a great year. Take care.